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Oregon Focus: State Symbols: Bird

About the Western MeadowlarkThe school children of Oregon voted the Western Meadowlark as the state bird in 1927 in an election sponsored by the Oregon Audubon Society. Shortly afterwards, Governor I.L. Patterson issued an official proclamation to that effect.

The Western Meadowlark is commonly found in all parts of Oregon. It is a year-round resident except at very high elevations or in heavily timbered areas. About the same size as a robin, the Western Meadowlark's back is brown and buff, while its breast is bright yellow with a black V across the chest.

As suggested by its name, the meadowlark prefers the open fields and meadowlands. It builds its nest like a grassy saucer partially domed in which it lays three to seven spotted eggs. As with most song birds, meadowlarks are almost completely beneficial to humans. They eat insects, small fruits, seeds, waste grain, and small aquatic life. Much of the Western Meadowlark's aesthetic value lies in its cheery song and bright color.